A Website to Check Regularly

[Charles959]

It's not hard to see at all.  This is the very thing that the vast majority of recalls are about.  Something could be loose, something could be over tight,  something could be a bit to close, if installer does something just a hair off.  Recalls are rarely some major thing or obvious thing, it's the whole reason this happens.

Well, I wasn't talking about the reasons and merits of recalls in general, but about this specific case.

Which was described on that website as an OVERHEATING problem, due to using the wrong screws. And that just sounded weird in my head. User installed screws should have no bearing on the heat a battery generates or dissipates. If it does, that's a mayor design flaw.

But the real trouble here is PUNCTURING the battery. Now I understand that a battery bursting in flames due to the reaction of lithium and water can technically be called a form of overheating, but I think most people would call it PUNCTURING.  [tongue]

Folks designing stuff can plan for a fair bit of things, but they can't plan for everything. 

They could, and should have anticipated this. The volatility of lithium-ion batteries is a well known fact in the engineering world. As problems with them can lead to sincere consequences including death due to a fire, guarding the battery's safety is a top priority during the design. Which means you don't give an a-technical user who screws up the opportunity to drive a screw into the battery in the first place. A dumb mistake.

It is also a dumb mistake of the manufacturer to solve the problem with a mere amendment in the installation instructions. This will not absolve them in an American court when another doorbell bursts into flames. They should have installed a metal plate in the doorbell to protect the battery.

Just puncturing the battery can cause a fire, due to the reaction of lithium and water you mentioned. The puncture can also cause a spark.

From Why Lithium Batteries Catch Fire

How Lithium Batteries Work
A lithium battery consists of two electrodes separated by an electrolyte. Typically, the batteries transfer electrical charge from a lithium metal cathode through an electrolyte consisting of an organic solvent containing lithium salts over to a carbon anode. The specifics depend on the battery, but lithium-ion batteries usually contain a metal coil and a flammable lithium-ion fluid. Tiny metal fragments float in the liquid. The contents of the battery are under pressure, so if a metal fragment punctures a partition that keeps the components separate or the battery is punctured, the lithium reacts with water in the air vigorously, generating high heat and sometimes producing a fire.

Why Lithium Batteries Catch Fire or Explode
Lithium batteries are made to deliver high output with minimal weight. Battery components are designed to be lightweight, which translates into thin partitions between cells and a thin outer covering. The partitions or coating are fairly fragile, so they can be punctured. If the battery is damaged, a short occurs. This spark can ignite the highly reactive lithium.

Another possibility is that the battery can heat to the point of thermal runaway. Here, the heat of the contents exerts pressure on the battery, potentially producing an explosion.
https://www.thoughtco.com/why-lithium-batteries-catch-fire-606814

Update: I just found out that the battery in the Ring Video Doorbell is a lithium-ion (as in rechargeable) battery, not a lithium primary battery. I do not know whether that has any effect on the details of the fire hazard posed by a puncture.
https://www.theverge.com/2017/8/9/16112752/ring-video-doorbell-2-security-camera-review

 

[DeformedTree]

Hmm, how does hacking a doorbell get you into the house ....  [scratch chin]

I assume you are responding to me.  I said nothing about getting into the house.  I was talking about stealing the Ring Doorbell, if it is using some sort of security screw to prevent the theft of the ring doorbell, that will be defeated.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Hmm, how does hacking a doorbell get you into the house ....  [scratch chin]

I assume you are responding to me.  I said nothing about getting into the house.  I was talking about stealing the Ring Doorbell, if it is using some sort of security screw to prevent the theft of the ring doorbell, that will be defeated.

No, I was not responding to something you said, just wondering why it was necessary for the designers to fit the doorbell with security screws. As if tampering with a doorbell gets you anywhere.

 

[jeh]

interesting there is Europe and US instructions.  They are laid out different, but in the end the same.  I like how in the US it is "use a 1/4" drill bit",  in the EU it's "use the included drill bit".  So sounds like they rather include a drillbit for Europe verses ship with metric anchors?  Not like anyone ever uses included hardware for stuff like that.  I figured that was where the issue was, but no, it's the screw internal to the setup.  Why would someone not use the screw?  I'm left to assume it's an oddball screw so if someone drops/looses it, they have no idea what do and probably just grab a handy drywall screw.  Maybe time for captive hardware.

The purpose of the screw is to make it harder for a casual prankster or criminal to futz with your doorbell. The various security screw drivers can be purchased from multiple places online.
If the screw that the Ring people include is a security screw, rather than a regular Torx screw, then including a security screwdriver significantly increases the number of such tools owned by the general public. I recall that years ago, buying such screwdrivers online required submitting a scan of a company letterhead.

 

[Packard]

No need to check regularly.  They offer a subscription service and they will email you recall notices each day at the end of the business day.  A quick scan of the items is all that you need to do. 

There is a blue toggle bar down towards the bottom of the page that says:

Recalls

Never Miss a Recall
Choose Your Recall Emails

Fill in your email address and click what delivery option you want and you will get daily notices.

 

[mike_aa]

It also pays to check the CPSC when selling old equipment. 

I have a 25 year old bench radial arm saw in storage that I just recently decided to sell.  In searching for the manual online I stumbled upon a recall issued in 2006 for this saw and I was relieved to find it since I definitely did not want to unknowingly sell a recalled product.  I called the company and they had me remove the motor/arbor to put in a box for Fedex to pick up to return.  They are supposed to send me a recall reimbursement check when it arrives there.

Mike A. 

 

[semenza]

Here is one that may be of interest to people

   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/N...s-Recalled-by-Klein-Tools-Due-to-Shock-Hazard

Seth

 

[squall_line]

Here is one that may be of interest to people

   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/N...s-Recalled-by-Klein-Tools-Due-to-Shock-Hazard

Seth

I have a couple of NCVTs, I think at least one is a Klein; definitely going to check them in the morning. 

Thanks!

 

[Packard]

As a public service announcement type of post, I just wanted to let members in North America know that there is a website that you should check occasionally:  The Consumer Products Safety Commission.  This website has a listing of all recalls in effect.  I am posting this because just the other day I was in a Lowe's store returning extra materials and turned around and saw a flyer on the wall that was a recall for my kitchen range that had been issued in 2009.  Although I registered my range I was never notified of the recall.  In 2001 I had a fire in my house caused by a faulty fax machine.  Luckily I was there to put it out, but if not?  Again, I had registered that product and had not been notified.  The manufacturer chose to put a sticker on the ink jet refills for that machine instead of sending written notice to owners.

I am not being a sky is falling kind of guy here, just bringing it to your attention.

Here is the link:  US Consumer Protection Saftey Commission Website.

A link to the area where you can check by categories:  Searching by category  (When you select your category you need to click the find button.)

Be safe my friends!

Peter

You don't have to check it.  You can subscribe to notifications.  I get notifications automatically after I subscribed.  Usually it is one to four items and it usually comes once a week.  It takes seconds to scan the notifications.  I've notified friends when I've seen recalls on products they use.  So far nothing I use has been recalled.  I subscribed a few years back and I don't recall how I did it.  But visit the site and look for the option.  It's there.

 

[squall_line]

You don't have to check it.  You can subscribe to notifications.  I get notifications automatically after I subscribed.  Usually it is one to four items and it usually comes once a week.  It takes seconds to scan the notifications.  I've notified friends when I've seen recalls on products they use.  So far nothing I use has been recalled.  I subscribed a few years back and I don't recall how I did it.  But visit the site and look for the option.  It's there.

Thank you for pointing that out!

It's right on the home page, under "Recalls - Never Miss a Recall", the button marked "Choose Your Recall Emails".  Scroll down just a little on the main home page depending on your screen size.

 

[semenza]

I signed on to receive emails a few months ago. You will  not  get barraged with emails. Works very well.

Seth

 

[Packard]

I signed on to receive emails a few months ago. You will  not  get barraged with emails. Works very well.

Seth

That has been my experience.  The email comes with a summary of which products are involved, and then you can choose to examine those in detail.  As I said, it takes seconds to scan, and I scan each notification when it arrives.  Not a burden at all.

 

[peter halle]

Good Morning:

I just received a notice that a dehumidifier that I bought years ago has been recalled due to overheating and fire concerns.  Mine was on the list.

You may want to check out this link if you are in North America and have a portable dehumidifier:  http://www.newwidetech.com/en/news.php?act=view&id=9

Peter

 

[squall_line]

Good Morning:

I just received a notice that a dehumidifier that I bought years ago has been recalled due to overheating and fire concerns.  Mine was on the list.

You may want to check out this link if you are in North America and have a portable dehumidifier:  http://www.newwidetech.com/en/news.php?act=view&id=9

Peter

Mine wasn't on this list this time, thankfully.  I replaced three of them at the manufacturers' cost in the time span of 2014-2018 under a previous recall, including one that was left behind in a house that my wife (girlfriend at the time) purchased; she hadn't been using the dehumidifier because it wasn't actually drying the air anymore, so it was nice to get a new unit for free.

 

[squall_line]

One of the main reasons I signed up for alerts from CPSC was because we were pregnant, and I knew that I would probably start to get into the realm of owning more things that might be subject to recall.

Today was one such day; one of the wooden teethers we have was recalled because the string can untie and the beads come loose.  I think it was a registry gift, so we probably never would have known that without the subscription service or checking the website all of the time.

Of course, our week started with a different recall from the FDA over powdered formula; I checked at the store the night I read the recall notice and found that an entire section of shelving was going to have to be emptied.  We've switched brands until they can get things sorted out and hopefully we can get a refund for the cans we have; this stuff ain't cheap!  I've already received at least two e-mails from Amazon notifying me of the recall because I purchased the formula in larger quantities from them.

 

[Charles959]

Stanley Black & Decker Recalls 2.2 Million DeWALT, Stanley and Craftsman Fiberglass Sledgehammers Due to Impact Injury Hazard

Name of Product:
DeWALT, Stanley and Craftsman Fiberglass Sledgehammers
Hazard:
The head of the sledgehammers can loosen prematurely and detach unexpectedly during use, posing an impact injury hazard to the user.

 

[Charles959]

Peloton Recalls Two Million Exercise Bikes Due to Fall and Injury Hazards

Excerpt:
Name of Product:
Peloton Bikes Model PL01
Hazard:
The bike’s seat post assembly can break during use, posing fall and injury hazards to the user.

Remedy:
Repair
Recall Date:
May 11, 2023
Units:
About 2.2 million

[further down page]

Remedy:
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled exercise bikes and contact Peloton for a free repair. Peloton is offering consumers a free seat post that can be self-installed.

Incidents/Injuries:
Peloton has received 35 reports of the seat post breaking and detaching from the bike during use, including 13 reports of injuries including a fractured wrist, lacerations and bruises due to falling from the bike.

 

[Charles959]

CPSC Warns Consumers to Immediately Stop Using Elide Fire Extinguishing Balls Due to Failure to Extinguish Fires and Risk of Serious Injury or Death

[Bold style added]

Release Date: March 28, 2024
Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers about the risk of burns and smoke inhalation associated with the use of Elide brand fire extinguishing balls. These products can fail to extinguish a fire, which could lead to serious injury and death.

Specifically, the products can fail to effectively disperse fire retardant chemicals and fail to extinguish a fire. In addition, the products do not have a pressure gauge or pressure indicator, a locking device to reduce the risk of unintentional discharge, a self-closing valve for intermittent discharge, or a nozzle to direct the discharge. The products fail to meet the requirements of UL 299 Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers and UL 711 Rating and Fire Testing of Fire Extinguishers, which are voluntary safety standards.

Elide Fire USA has not agreed to recall these fire extinguishing balls or offer a remedy to consumers.

Elide Fire USA sells three models of the fire extinguishing balls to consumers on elidefireus.com. The ELB01 and ELB02-1 models are made of red plastic, with a diameter of either 4 or 6 inches and weigh either 1.5 or 3 pounds. The ELB02-2 model is made of blue plastic, with a diameter of 4 inches and a weight of 1.5 pounds. This warning includes all three models. The products also include a stand that can be mounted to the wall. The products have a label wrapped around the front of the product with the Elide Fire logo. Elide Fire USA sold the fire extinguishing balls for between $95 and $120.

CPSC urges consumers not to purchase or sell these fire extinguishing balls.

Consumers should stop using and dispose of these products at either a local fire department or a hazardous waste disposal facility. Consumers should only purchase fire extinguishers that meet both the UL 299 and UL 711 safety standards and are marked with those certifications.

Report a dangerous product or a product-related injury on www.SaferProducts.gov.

Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic. Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.

Release Number
24-170

 

[Packard]

Ring doorbells (2nd Generation) recalled for fire hazard.  Wrong mounting screws the culprit.
https://ring.com/support/articles/t475t/Download-the-Manual-Ring-Video-Doorbell-2nd-Gen

 

[smorgasbord]

Assuming you didn't kill yourself using the wrong screw to install your Ring, you might be entitled to some lawsuit money:https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/25/technology/ring-settlement-claim.html